#002: How to Maximize the Healing Benefits of the Outdoors in Alzheimer’s Care

The Alzheimer’s Podcast:
People with Dementia Have a
Right to be Outdoors Regularly

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Hello, and welcome to Episode #2, this is Mike Good of Together in This.

Thank you for joining me for another episode of The Alzheimer’s Podcast, where my goal is to empower you to maintain a positive experience, reduce, and eliminate the need for medications, and make your time together with those you care for, the best it can be.

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Show Notes:

In this episode, I discuss the therapeutic and healing properties of the outdoors.

I can’t imagine a world where I couldn’t enjoy outdoor pleasures whenever I want. Like a caged bird unable to spread its wings and fly, to me, that would be hell.

While these pleasures naturally occur for most of us whenever we want, millions of people with Alzheimer’s disease are confined to the indoors, without much regard for their spirit.

It just makes sense, and of course there’s scientific evidence, that getting outdoors will improve both physical and mental well-being for both the person with dementia and their caregiver.

The outdoors stimulates our senses, heals us with vitamin D, and helps maintain our body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Depending on each person’s interests and abilities, there are many things you can do together right in your own yard.

Remember, it’s about creating moments of joy while spending quality time together.

Safety is a primary reason they become prisoners in their own home.

In my course on Adapting Your Home for Dementia, I teach how to have a balance of Safety, Function, and Stimulation, and I go into great detail on each.

These three elements should also be addressed in your outdoor spaces.

Being outdoors can and should also involve getting out and away from home when possible.

Some examples may include: For the woodworker, walking around a lumber yard or hardware store. For the knitter, visiting a fabric store or seeing the knitters at the local coffee shop.

There’s no doubt Mother Nature is very healing to our minds, body, and spirit.

Being outdoors and enjoying nature is in our DNA.

And nature has a way of soothing our soul. Whether it’s the fresh air on our face, the sounds of birds chirping, or the smell of a flower field, there is a healing effect from spending time outdoors.

So we must help everyone get outside and “visit” with Mother Nature because she cares for us and helps us heal in ways I just can’t explain.

Bye, bye, and be sure to get outdoors.